CAUSES AND TREATMENTS FOR SWEATY FEET

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS FOR SWEATY FEET

What causes someone’s feet to sweat?

As a dermatologist, sweaty feet, in most cases, are triggered by wearing tight-fitting socks or shoes, high stress, nervousness or anxiety, poor feet hygiene, and wearing shoes made of materials that don’t facilitate free air and sweat rhythms. At times sweaty feet might be due to hereditary genes.

Is it common for people to have very sweaty feet?

Yes, it’s common for people to occasionally have sweat feet, around 5 % of the overall population have sweaty feet. 

Can sweaty feet indicate a more serious condition?

Sometimes excessive sweating in the feet can be a warning sign of conditions such as athlete’s foot, hyperhidrosis, or fungus infections.

What should someone with sweaty feet look for when shopping for socks?

I recommend loose-fitting socks made of moisture-wicking fabrics as they facilitate absorption and evaporation of sweat.

Does moisture-wicking fabric work? What makes a fabric moisture-wicking?

Moisture-wicking fabrics are prepared using two or more materials such as merino soft wool, polyester, lycra, or nylon. They are highly effective and work by enhancing sweat evaporation.

How often should you change your socks to prevent sweaty feet?

I recommend you change your socks daily or twice, especially when doing strenuous activities or working in hot weather.

Does wearing socks overnight cause an athlete’s foot?

This depends on the socks or feet condition. Wearing socks overnight will only lead to an athlete’s foot if you have sweaty feet or wear wet socks. Normally dry socks are good to sleep with. However, when wet, it creates a damp habitat for fungus development.

How can someone help prevent or reduce the severity of their sweaty feet

I highly recommend you always wear moisture-wicking socks, wash your feet regularly, apply antifungal powders, use feet antiperspirants, wear loose-fitting shoes or socks and change them frequently.

Ieva Kubiliute

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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